Change to Alliance for Wealden make up

Two Labour councillors have today joined The Alliance for Wealden which controls Wealden District Council.

Councillor Daniel Manvell (Labour, Uckfield North) and Councillor Ben Cox (Labour and Co-operative, Uckfield New Town) have joined the Alliance, which now comprises 24 out of the 45 members of Wealden District Council, including all Green, Liberal Democrat, and Labour councillors. Councillor Manvell will also be joining the Cabinet and further details of his appointment will be announced soon.

In a joint statement, Wealden District Council leader Councillor Rachel Millward (Green, Hartfield), and deputy leader Councillor James Partridge (Liberal Democrat, Crowborough North), said, “We are delighted that Dan and Ben have joined the Alliance in our collaborative effort to make Wealden greener, fairer and kinder. As young, working people, they will bring huge energy and a different insight into the opportunities and the challenges our towns and villages face.

“Dan and Ben have supported our efforts to invest millions of pounds in new sports and leisure facilities, and to increase council tax specifically on unnecessary empty homes and second homes in Wealden. With their support, we will continue to deliver better public services for all Wealden residents.”

Labour group leader Daniel Manvell said, “We have been impressed by the Alliance's work to quickly develop a new Local Plan, robustly challenge Southern and South East Water on their performance, and, with our support, stop Uckfield Leisure Centre from closing.

“We were elected as the first ever Labour councillors in Wealden history because local residents badly wanted change from the Conservatives, and we look forward to helping to deliver this change. It will also be a privilege to become one of the youngest cabinet members in the country.”

Pictured: Liberal Democrat leader Councillor James Partridge, Green Party leader and council leader Councillor Rachel Millward, Labour leader Councillor Daniel Manvell.